News Broadcasting
India, Germany sign co-production agreement
NEW DELHI : India and Germany have signed an agreement on audio-visual co-production.
Information and broadcasting minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi and German foreign minister Dr Frank Walter Steinmeier signed the Agreement.
The agreeement would contribute to facilitating co-operation in the film, videography, documentary, animation and audio industry in the two countries.
Some of the salient features of the agreement are:
– Films which are produced within the framework of this agreement shall be deemed national films. These films shall be entitled to claim the all state support benefits available to the film and video industries and the privileges granted by the provisions in force in the respective countries.
– Contribution of the co-production partners includes at least one leading actor, one supporting actor and/or one qualified technical staff person.
– The original soundtrack of each co-production film shall be made in Hindi language or dialect or, in English or German or in any combination of those permitted languages.
– In the case of multilateral co-productions, the minority contribution may not be less than 10 per cent and the majority contribution may not exceed 70 per cent of the total cost of the film.
– Even those films, which are produced in one of the two countries and where the minority contribution is limited to financial investment, may be granted co-production status according to this agreement.
– The expenses incurred in the territories of both countries for the promotion of co-productions will be compensated within 2 years of the completion of the project.
– A Joint Commission, which will be composed of representatives from the government and from the film, television and video industries of both countries will supervise and review the implementation and operation of the Agreement and will make the any proposals considered necessary to improve the implementation of the Agreement.
– For approved co-productions, each country will facilitate entry into and temporary residence in its territory for technical and artistic personnel of the other country as well as the import into and export from its territory of technical and other film making equipment and materials by producers of the other country.
– Applications for qualification of a film for co-production benefits must be made simultaneously to the competent authorities in both countries at least 30 days before the shooting begins. They should be accompanied by the final scripts and synopsis, documentary proof of having legally acquired the rights to produce the co-production and a copy of the co-production contract signed by the two co-producers for the sharing of revenues, markets, media or a combination of these.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
